Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Get ready to transform a classic appetizer into an extraordinary culinary experience. Today, we’re taking beloved mozzarella sticks and elevating them with smoky bacon and luxurious Burrata cheese to create the Applewood Bacon Premium Loaded Mozzarella Sticks Burrata Bonanza! Imagine crispy, golden mozzarella sticks bursting with savory Applewood bacon, then topped with a rich, creamy cascade of melted Burrata and a vibrant marinara drizzle. This isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a gourmet delight that’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging your deepest cheese cravings!
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it takes a popular, comforting snack and gives it an unbelievably decadent upgrade. The smoky flavor of Applewood bacon baked right into the mozzarella sticks is fantastic, but the real “bonanza” comes from the fresh Burrata cheese. Its luscious, creamy interior melts beautifully over the hot sticks, adding a layer of sophisticated richness that’s truly addictive. Paired with tangy marinara and fresh basil, it’s an explosion of flavors and textures that feels incredibly luxurious, yet is surprisingly easy to make. If you’re into effortlessly impressive appetizers, you’ll also adore my Baked Brie Appetizer, my favorite effortless way to impress guests!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Burrata Bonanza:
- 8 Applewood Bacon Premium Loaded Mozzarella Sticks (pre-made, frozen)
- 1 ball of Burrata cheese (fresh is essential!)
- 1 cup of marinara sauce (your favorite quality brand)
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Olive oil for drizzling
Swaps and Notes
- Mozzarella Sticks: The recipe specifies pre-made “Applewood Bacon Premium Loaded Mozzarella Sticks.” If you can’t find this exact product, you can use regular frozen mozzarella sticks and serve crispy, crumbled Applewood bacon alongside, or even on top, for a similar flavor profile.
- Burrata Cheese: Fresh Burrata is non-negotiable for this recipe! Its creamy, soft interior is what makes the “bonanza.” Do not substitute with regular mozzarella, as the texture and richness will not be the same.
- Marinara Sauce: Use a good quality marinara sauce. If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will offer the best sharp, salty counterpoint.
- Fresh Basil: Don’t skip the fresh basil! Its aromatic quality and vibrant color truly elevate the dish. Fresh oregano or a sprinkle of chives could also work.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil at the end adds a touch of richness and flavor.
Steps for the Recipe
- Bake the Mozzarella Sticks: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the Applewood Bacon Premium Loaded Mozzarella Sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or according to package directions, until the cheese is melted, the sticks are golden brown, and the bacon is crispy.
- Prepare the Burrata: While the mozzarella sticks are baking, carefully slice the Burrata cheese into thin rounds or tear it into small, irregular pieces. Set aside.
- Melt the Burrata: Once the mozzarella sticks are done, remove them from the oven. Immediately place a slice or a small piece of Burrata on top of each hot mozzarella stick.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or just until the Burrata is melted and wonderfully gooey. Be careful not to overbake, as you want it soft and flowing, not dried out.
- Warm the Marinara: In the meantime, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s gently simmering and warmed through.
- Assemble and Garnish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the warm marinara sauce generously over the Burrata-topped mozzarella sticks.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Serve Hot! Enjoy your incredibly indulgent and delicious Applewood Bacon Premium Loaded Mozzarella Sticks Burrata Bonanza immediately!
Tips for Success
- Hot Mozzarella Sticks: Place the Burrata on the sticks immediately after they come out of the oven so the residual heat helps start the melting process.
- Don’t Overbake Burrata: Burrata is delicate. It only needs a couple of minutes to become perfectly gooey. Overbaking will make it dry.
- Warm Marinara: Serving the marinara warm ensures all components are at the right temperature for maximum enjoyment.
- Fresh Basil: This adds a crucial aromatic freshness that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after it comes out of the oven when everything is hot, gooey, and crispy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Applewood Bacon Premium Loaded Mozzarella Sticks Burrata Bonanza is a fantastic stand-alone appetizer, perfect for a party, game night, or a special treat. You could serve it alongside other cheesy crowd-pleasers like my Crockpot Nacho Dip that always disappears or these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter. For drinks, a light red wine like a Pinot Noir, a crisp white wine, or even sparkling cider would be excellent pairings.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is absolutely best enjoyed fresh. The textures of melted cheese and crispy bacon are paramount to its appeal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but the mozzarella sticks will lose their crispness and the Burrata will harden. Reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer might help regain some crispness, but it won’t be quite the same as fresh.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the indulgent and easy nature of these gourmet mozzarella sticks, you’ll find plenty more delicious inspiration on Chef Maniac!
- For another fantastic, cheesy crowd-pleasing option, check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas, my favorite way to feed a crowd fast.
- And if you’re looking for a delightful sweet treat that’s also an explosion of flavor, you absolutely have to try my favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs!
Final Thoughts
The Applewood Bacon Premium Loaded Mozzarella Sticks Burrata Bonanza is a testament to how simple appetizers can be transformed into extraordinary culinary delights. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, proving that sometimes, more cheese (especially Burrata!) truly is more!
I hope you give this amazing recipe a try and experience its cheesy brilliance for yourself! What are your favorite ways to upgrade classic appetizers? Share your ideas and culinary adventures in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Happy snacking!
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